John Lewis

John Oliver Lewis of New Boston, Texas, formerly a long time resident of Texas City, passed way on Tuesday, November 10, 2015 in Texas City at the age of 88. He was born on December 14, 1926 in Avery, Texas to Robert and Gertrude Lewis.

Mr. Lewis served in the United States Navy as a Pharmacist Mate, 2nd class, in the mid 40s. He attended the Naval Training Center San Diego and worked at the United States Naval Hospitals in New Orleans and Houston.

After his discharge from the Navy he moved to Texas City to begin his career as a barber. He opened John's Barber Shop in 1961 until he retired over 50 years later. The shop was not just a place to get your haircut or have a close shave, but a place to gather and watch college football or baseball on Saturdays, play cards or dominos, or just visit. Many of his customers would bring their sons, grandsons and even great-grandsons in for their first haircut. One of his greatest joys was to sit his grandsons, Colton and Austin, in his old barber chair in the garage when they would visit.

Mr. Lewis was proud to be an active member of the Grand Lodge of Texas as a 60 Year Life and Endowed Member. He served as Grand Master and Secretary of the Masonic Lodge of Texas City# 1118 for many years, and later joined the Masonic Lodge in New Boston #69. Mr. Lewis devoted much of his time as an instructor and teacher and touched many lives by helping new members obtain their degrees within the Masonic Lodge.

Mr. Lewis was an avid gardener and took pleasure sharing vegetables, watermelons and his pecans with friends and neighbors. He was a self-taught musician and played the guitar and piano, even recording a song with his high school buddies. He also loved spending time with his family, especially his beloved grandsons. Everyone knew him for his sharp humor, quick wit, and as a master at dominos.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Gertrude Lewis, and by his wife of 58 years Lucretia Elizabeth (Pat) Lewis, and brother, James Earl Lewis.

Mr. Lewis is survived by his children, Brenda (Terry Bootz) of Oregon City, Oregon, John Patrick (Donna) Lewis of Dickinson, TX and Connie (Marc Martinez) of Grapevine, TX and grandsons, Colton and Austin Lewis. He is also survived by his Brother, Arthur (Buck) Lewis, and sisters, Ruth Talbot, Reba (Sandy) Hudson, Betty Simmons, Wanda Ennis, Nota Lewis and many nieces and nephews.

A Masonic Service will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2015, 10:00a.m., at Bates Rolf Funeral Home, 502 S. McCoy Blvd, New Boston, Texas with visitation beginning at 9a.m. prior to the service. Interment will be at College Hill Cemetery in DeKalb, Texas.

Serving as pallbearers are members of the New Boston Masonic Lodge #69: Donald Wise, Doyle Sykes, Randall Fellers, Charles Miller, Wayne McIntyre and Millidge Oglesby.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Texas Masonic Charities Foundation, 837 Los Escondidos, Marble Falls, TX 78654. Phone 830-385-9711.

The family wishes to thank the staff at The Rio of the Mainland and Texas Home Health Hospice Support for their care of our beloved father.

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